Researchers in Hanover believe that they have developed the concept car of the future. The CeBit show in Germany featured an egg-shaped vehicle dubbed the NAME. Industry analysts are hopeful for a future where driverless cars interact with wireless networks to ensure a smooth flow of traffic. This would theoretically make traffic signals unnecessary. The vehicles would be made of lightweight material that would allow them to collapse into tiny parking crevices.

According to the general manager of the team behind Microsoft Windows Embedded, automakers would focus more on entertaining riders. Apparently the term drivers would no longer be necessary. BMW, Ford and other automakers connected with the project could provide cloud-computing technology to deliver video games or music to passengers wirelessly. If they aren’t the type to easily get motion sick, riders could also catch a few extra minutes of work.

The German Research Center for Artificial Intelligence designed the NAME. It claims that automobiles in the city could be rotated at 90-degree angles to squeeze them into tight spaces. That’s certainly good news for anyone who complains they can’t find a parking spot. Dashboard technology used in the vehicle resembles touch screens that appear on mobile phones. Cameras and lasers would be installed to prevent collisions with other vehicles. Some cars could be extended to allow up to four passengers to enjoy the futuristic ride. It doesn’t seem like anyone has rushed to give the NAME a driver’s license just yet, however.

General Motors has genuinely expressed interests in allowing drivers to interact with onboard personal computer installations. This would be a serious shift in policy from telling drivers not to text while driving. Since self-driving cars seem to still be in the prototype stage, people shouldn’t break this cardinal rule.

Some individuals are probably quite critical of these seemingly fantastical assumptions. Many people remember how journalists constantly talked about flying cars. People have become jaded to industrial promises. On the other hand, individuals in the world of computers have constantly been critical of any technology they deem to be bloated.

Using cloud computing to deliver content to passengers might seem unnecessary. Some people could be critical of automotive research into fields besides fuel efficiency or safety. Other commentators are probably weary of any self-driving robotic technology. However, the interest in these designs has proven to be relatively popular. Whether driven by science fiction or Google’s automatic cars, consumers of the future might have a variety of strange options available to them.

Automotive buffs might recall when Google pushed for legislation in Nevada to permit self-driving cars. The first self-driving license has been granted only two months after the legislation passed. Naturally, Google was approved for the first testing license under the new set of regulations. The organization has been testing a vehicle driven by artificial intelligence for several years now.

Most people know Google as a search engine company, though they are also the corporate force behind the Android operating system. That doesn’t make an autonomous car any more normal. Test runs of the car have taken place in campuses and secret locations for some time now. Fans of morning television might recall when Good Morning America featured an automatic test drive in 2010.

While the Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles might look particularly progressive in permitting a self-driving car on their roads, they have imposed some restrictions. Other drivers will be able to identify the automatic Toyota Prius fleet by red license plates. These feature the symbol for infinity on the left side. It’s pretty hard to miss a car with a giant laser scan system mounted on the top anyways. If that wasn’t enough to give it away, Google slapped their logo on the paint job along with a sticker proclaiming it to be a self-driving car.

On one hand, this might seem like a publicity stunt on Google’s behalf. However, Audi and BMW are working on similar designs that use a mixture of software and hardware to pilot themselves around. According to Google’s offices, the technology is not actually supposed to replace drivers. Rather, it’s intended to take over whenever the driver is distracted. This could be beneficial for those that eat or text while driving. Naturally, these activities are dangerous and shouldn’t be attempted.

Nevada currently requires a driver and a passenger in each of the test vehicles. Google has asked the state to exempt human backup drivers of automatic vehicles from laws that prevent drivers from texting behind the wheel. That being said, a human can always take control of the car by depressing the brake pedal or grabbing the steering wheel.

While science fiction fans might be rejoicing, commercially marketing the technology isn’t currently in the realm of possibilities. General Motors predicted that self-driving automotive technology would be standard in cars by 2020. Drivers certainly won’t be able to buy robotic cars any time soon.

For a number of years, I had heard ads on the radio and seen them on TV for auto electronics shows. These ads claimed that major retailers and resellers would be setting up at a location near me and that they would be offering name-brand electronics at a fraction of their retail price. These electronics typically included radios, CD players, MP3 players, speakers, amps and more, and each was available at a discounted price that I simply couldn’t find anywhere else.

While I had mostly passed these ads off as nothing but rubbish, one day, my curiosity got the best of me and I planned to go to one nearby. The ad stated that vendors would have the latest and best in car stereos, speakers and amps, all at discounts of 90% off of retail, so I decided to see what all of the hype was about. I was a fan of upgrading and modifying my ride at the time, so I figured if I could do so without spending extra money; what would it hurt?

Unfortunately, when I arrived at the sale, I found out very quickly that I had been had. I paid $12 at the door for entry, and this only allowed me to walk around and peruse the various auto electronics on sale. As I visited each table, it became apparent that I was not going to save any money at all; essentially, all of the vendors were selling junk. Each vendor I visited was hocking no-name, low-budget electronics, many of which I had heard bad things about. Although the prices were incredibly low, I knew from experience that a $10 CD player wasn’t going to last long.

In spite of my better judgement, I did buy a pair of 12″ speakers for $20. I got them home, hooked them up, and within two days, they were blown. Of course, by that point, I couldn’t revisit the retailer for a refund because the electronics show was over. I simply had to live with my purchase.

When it came time to sell my vehicle, I had to remove the speakers, as no respectable buyer would have given me top dollar for my car with such poor speakers inside. I soon learned that, in order to get the best price on a used vehicle, it’s important to keep as much factory equipment inside as possible, and also avoid installing cheap, inefficient equipment.

These days, it seems as if there’s an app for everything. From movie show times to social networking, people are using apps on their mobile devices more than ever; however, did you know that there are many helpful apps that you can use to enhance your driving experience? Below are some app ideas that you can use to get where you’re going faster, easier and more affordably. Before using any of these apps, however, make sure you pull off the road. Never use your mobile device while driving!

GPS Apps – In the past, to get somewhere you either had to know the way or you had to use a map. Thankfully, today’s mobile devices can harness the power of global positioning satellites, or GPS, to give you turn-by-turn directions to virtually anywhere. Many of today’s advanced smartphones come with a free GPS app already installed, but you can also browse your app store for more options.

Gas Station Locators – In today’s economy, it pays to save every way you can, and that includes while filling up. By using a gas station locator app, you can not only find the closest station, but also find out about prices in your area. Some gas station locator apps allow you to search for different brands of gasoline, as well as amenities at gas stations, such as a snack bar, public restrooms and more.

Auto Insurance Company Apps – Like most companies, auto insurance providers have begun to adapt their business model to the evolving digital landscape. As a result, most major auto insurance companies now have a downloadable app that can assist you with virtually all of your insurance needs. Whether you need to file a claim, contact an agent, report an accident or more, an app from your auto insurer can help you get it done faster.

Area Information Apps – Just like gas station locator apps, area information apps allow you to find specific places around town. These apps are great for when you’re traveling in an unfamiliar place, as they can search for and guide you to restaurants, malls, attractions and more. Many of these apps also work with social media sites, allowing you to see reviews about places from real people in your social networks.

The best part is, these are just a few of the many apps available that can help you to maximize your driving experience. Once again, never use your mobile device while driving. Not only is it against the law in many places, but it can also be deadly!